Monte Ne, located on the shores of Beaver Lake, is located about five miles outside Rogers, Arkansas. From 1901 to 1931 Monte Ne, which was founded by William Coin Harvey, was a health resort. It was tough to have the largest hotel in the world. These hotels were known as Missouri Row and Oklahoma Row. The tower pictured is the last remaining structure of Oklahoma Row. In 1964 the White river was dammed to create Beaver Lake, a water supply for local residents. This covered much of the Monte Ne town and resort which included a huge amphitheater and concrete pyramid.

I live in an area of Arkansas known as The Ozarks, named for the mountain range which extends through southern Missouri and northwest Arkansas. The cities of Northwest Arkansas are surrounded by pristine rivers and beautiful national parks. It is a great location for those who love hiking, biking, camping and fishing. Two and a half hours east from Rogers are two internationally famous trout rivers, the White River and the Norfork River. Both homes to world record trout.

A perfect day in Monte Ne starts by waking up to a beautiful sunrise over Beaver Lake, stepping out onto the back deck and seeing all the wildlife enjoying the morning. The deer are plentiful, as is the bird population of both local and migrating birds. We even have American Bald Eagles that come to the area in the winter. After a good breakfast, hopping onto my motorcycle with a camera in my saddle bags and heading out on the back country roads around Monte Ne. Then coming home in the evening and having dinner at the very popular Monte Ne Chicken restaurant.

The best part about Monte Ne is the country-style living. It is close enough to four Northwest Arkansas cities to have the shopping conveniences of the cities without the overcrowding of major cities.

The area is still considered to be a small market and sometimes limits access to restaurants and stores of bigger areas.

The biggest surprise to this place is that it is home to some of the latest corporations in the world, Tyson Foods and Walmart.

Sheriff Andy Griffith.

Only three? Wow… Contemporary portrait photographer Gregory Heisler, long-time editorial photographer Joe McNally, and blues harmonica player James Cotton.